PIER Model

Imperial County Behavioral Health Services Evidence-based program helps prevent and treat mental illness

Preventing and treating mental illness in Imperial County’s youth and young adults are the goals of the Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) Model, an evidence-based practice that treats the earliest signs of mental illness.

Imperial County Behavioral Health Services’ PIER Model comes under the department’s Community Engagement Supportive Services (CESS) unit. The model seeks to educate the community about recognizing symptoms, to provide treatment for youth, and to assist families in preventing psychosis. Early intervention can help stop symptoms from escalating, requiring a higher level of treatment or care.

“Sometimes (youths and young adults) don’t notice they have any of the symptoms until they have their first psychotic break in their mid-20s,” said Christine Garcia, a licensed clinical social worker for ICBHS. “Early intervention is optimal to prevent severe symptoms and decompensation; and the treatment model builds the young person’s support early by including them in the treatment process.”

Garcia explained that an evidencebased practice means it has proven effective in research studies to prevent development of severe psychosis in youth and young adults. Early detection and intervention are key.

“Explaining the model to the community is important, especially during the pandemic,” Garcia said. “A lot of times, especially with children and adolescents, we usually receive referrals from schools (which have been transitioned to online learning), so now parents and caregivers are referring their children, youth and loved ones. In addition to being aware of symptoms for anxiety or depression we want to educate our community regarding these early warning signs so any of these symptoms can be recognized and parents and caregivers may call for an assessment early to prevent a first psychotic episode.

For participants, many learn they are not alone.

“Part of the positive feedback I’ve heard is these young people get to meet or become friends with other young people with similar symptoms or diagnoses. They learn they aren’t the only ones experiencing this,” she said. “(With) the families, they realize they are not the only families with these challenges and it reduces the stigma. We don’t think less of someone because they have diabetes, but we tend to think they’re weak because they have a mental health diagnosis like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.”

Garcia added that with support, “People with serious mental health diagnoses are able to complete college, get training needed for a job, and (can) have a vibrant life, but early intervention, treatment and a strong ongoing support are necessary.”

If an organization is interested in learning about being part of the PIER Model identification process, they can contact ICBHS at (442) 265-1525 or 1-800-817-5292 for information or to schedule a presentation.